cannot format / install xp

[anon]

I assembled my own system a few years ago, biostar M7NCD motherboard, Athlon
2.6ghz processor, about 750mb memory and 160gb hard drive, split into three
partitions C-D-E.

I had a problem with XP last week and could not re-install. I tried to
format partition C but then had the error - Invalid Partition, and this
occurs everytime at start up. I have tried to install XP from disk and
managed to format partition C, but cannot get any further, as even though it
has formatted, the error message - invalid partition has now returned. All
three partitions show up to choose, when I format though.

I purchased a new drive to format, install XP, recover the lost data on
Partition E of the old 160gb drive, then try to format the whole of the
160gb drive to start a fresh and use for XP only and some data.
Unfortunately I cannot format the new drive. It is 320gb, but I use a
slipstreamed XP with XP2, so I dont see the size should be a problem. The
big problem is that any option page is only shown for a brief second (
milliseconds really ) then the blue error screen appears - irql not less or
equal and the system freezes. I have managed to slect several options after
many installations, and progressed to format, it formatted 31% then the blue
error message, the next time it got to 14% and stopped. What options do I
have to try to get this formatted completely ? Even though 31% was
formatted, it showed up as not being formatted the next time. Pressing C to
partition a particular sizxe has no effect, I have to format the whole
305gb. I could ask how to correct the error, but it gives no clues so could
be anything. Although the system was working ok last week and I have not
installed any new hardware.

 

[Rich Barry]

Try using the Manufacturer of the new Hard Drives own Installation
Software. You can
get it at their website.

 

[Anna]

I assembled my own system
a few years ago, biostar M7NCD motherboard, Athlon 2.6ghz processor, about
750mb memory and 160gb hard drive, split into three partitions C-D-E.

I had a problem with XP last week and could not re-install. I tried to
format partition C but then had the error - Invalid Partition, and this
occurs everytime at start up. I have tried to install XP from disk and
managed to format partition C, but cannot get any further, as even though it
has formatted, the error message - invalid partition has now returned. All
three partitions show up to choose, when I format though.

I purchased a new drive to format, install XP, recover the lost data on
Partition E of the old 160gb drive, then try to format the whole of the
160gb drive to start a fresh and use for XP only and some data.
Unfortunately I cannot format the new drive. It is 320gb, but I use a
slipstreamed XP with XP2, so I dont see the size should be a problem. The
big problem is that any option page is only shown for a brief second (
milliseconds really ) then the blue error screen appears - irql not less or
equal and the system freezes. I have managed to slect several options after
many installations, and progressed to format, it formatted 31% then the blue
error message, the next time it got to 14% and stopped. What options do I
have to try to get this formatted completely ? Even though 31% was
formatted, it showed up as not being formatted the next time. Pressing C to
partition a particular sizxe has no effect, I have to format the whole
305gb. I could ask how to correct the error, but it gives no clues so could
be anything. Although the system was working ok last week and I have not
installed any new hardware.


Try using the Manufacturer of the new Hard Drives own Installation Software.
You can get it at their website.


anon:
We'll set aside the problem you're having with your old 160 GB HDD and just
concentrate on your current problem with your new 320 GB HDD, OK?

First of all, the only HDD that should be installed at this time is your 320
GB HDD - no other HDD(s), OK?

Now...precisely happens when you boot to your XP OS installation CD in order
to fresh-install the XP OS onto your new 320 GB HDD?

I assume that at the Windows Setup opening screen you select the option to
set up Windows XP, get past the Licensing Agreement and arrive at the
initial setup screen where (presumably) your installed HDD is listed and
(presumably) its disk-space is shown as "Unpartitioned space". Is that
right?

So you press Enter to set up the installation process, right?

Now the partition has been created and the formatting screen appears and you
select the non-Quick formatting option, right?

Presumably the formatting of the partition will take place. Is this the
point where you run into trouble? The system will not complete the
formatting process and you can't go any further to install the OS?

We can go on from here if you want but please verify the above and describe
the problem as precisely as you can.
Anna